Welcome to the latest installment of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! (Bitmoji property of Jake’s Take)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the second to last 2023 edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of music to unpack, so let’s start this party!
2 Chainz and Lil Wayne’s Welcome 2 Collegrove have some spitfire tracks, but some songs should have been left on the cutting room floor. (Album cover property of Gamebrand LLC)
Welcome 2 Collegrove by 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne
In 2016, rappers 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne released their first collaborative album, Collegrove. The album peaked at number two in Billboard’s US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and four on the US Billboard 200 charts. Seven years later, the duo reunited for Welcome 2 Collegrove. The rappers welcomed 21 Savage, Benny the Butcher, Marsha Ambrosius, Rick Ross, and Usher as featured artists, while Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson narrated the interluding scenes. There was also a flux of producers and songwriters who assisted in crafting the record. Fans can expect contributions from Dem Jointz, DJ Toomp, Havoc, Juicy J, Mannie Fresh, Mike Dean, and Murda Beatz. Welcome 2 Collegrove is a mixed bag of an album with solid collaborations such as Usher’s “Transparency” and Benny the Butcher’s “Oprah & Gayle.” However, I was bored with parts of the album as some of the songs should have been left on the cutting room floor. C
Tracks to Download or Stream: “C6,” “Long Story Short,” “Transparency,” & “Oprah & Gayle.”
Rap icon André 3000’s debut studio album showcases a new side to the longtime entertainer. (Album cover property of Sony Music Entertainment)
New Blue Sun by André 3000
When rap icon André 3000 dropped his first solo record, I expected it to be another OutKast record. However, when I listened to New Blue Sun, I found it contained “no bars” or beats. The man behind the hits – “Ms. Jackson,” “Roses,” and “Hey Ya!” – traded raps for instrumentation. The actor and performer gathered an ensemble of musicians that ranged from percussionist Carlos Niño, drummer Deantoni Parks, bassist and sinter player Jesse Peterson, and vocalist Mia Doi Todd to create an intriguing musical world. While it might take time for music lovers to accept this new direction, New Blue Sun could be one of the decade’s best experimental music albums. B+/A-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “I swear, I Really Wanted to Make a “Rap” Album But This is Literally The Way The Wind Blue This Time,” “Ninety Three ‘Til Infinity and Beyonce,” & “Ants to You, Gods to Who?”
Billy Porter’s Black Mona Lisa is one of his best albums ever! (Album cover property of Island Records and Republic Records)
Black Mona Lisa by Billy Porter
Grammy, Emmy, and two-time Tony-winning performer Billy Porter dropped his fifth studio album, Black Mona Lisa. The Kinky Boots alum teamed up with beloved hit songwriter Justin Tranter, who executive-produced the record. This album is sensational and features diverse musical genres such as disco, funk, pop, and R&B/Soul. Black Mona Lisa is an inspirational record that will make music lovers get up and dance and inspire a new generation of hitmakers. A
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Broke a Sweat,” “Children,” “Black Mona Lisa,” “Not Ashamed,” & “Baby Was A Dancer.”
“Chasing Cars” by Josh Page
Tenor Josh Page caught the world’s attention as a solo singer (he became a viral sensation as a video of him performing with Josh Groban was posted online) and as a member of the Forte Tenors. The AGT finalist released his take on Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars.” Josh’s velvety voice gave me chills and elevated the songs to a new level of excellence. A
“A Million Dreams” by Kodi Lee
America’s Got Talent (AGT): Season 14 Winner and upcoming AGT: Fantasy League competitor Kodi Lee dropped his take of The Greatest Showman’s beloved “A Million Dreams.” I truly believe that both the AGT and the film’s fanbases would be delighted by Kodi’s superb arrangement and haunting vocal performance. I hope that Benj Pasek and Justin Paul can listen to this goosebump creating cover! Bravo, Kodi!!! A+
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Sons of Serendip & the Dallas String Quartet
Jake’s Take Friends and AGT: Season Nine finalists Sons of Serendip teamed up with the Dallas String Quartet for a beautiful interpretation of the holiday classic: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Vocalist Micah Christian’s velvet voice will give listeners chills as the string ensemble delivers a gorgeous arrangement that weaves superbly with Cordaro Rodriguez’s fantastic piano. A
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are two recording artists that have the potential to shake up the music industry.
“It’s my birthday” by Ksenia
Rapper Ksenia has amassed over 400K Instagram and TikTok followers thanks to combining comedy, hip-hop, and pop music. Her latest single, “It’s my birthday,” is a hypnotic play on 50 Cent’s classic “In Da Club” along with inspiring ladies who are too old to date Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio. This song will make listeners laugh and smile, possibly inspiring them to embrace their birthdays! A-
“Wishlist” by Laura Bryna
Laura Bryna winds down this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. The Los Angeles resident has made a name for herself as a recording artist as she was featured in numerous media outlets such as Billboard, The New York Times, and Southern Living. She released her new holiday song: “Wishlist.” Written and produced by Grammy-winning producer Damon Sharpe, “Wishlist” is a beautiful doo-wop-inspired Christmas song that will raise listeners’ spirits and could be an incredible addition to any holiday party playlist. B+
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